When we asked the question on our Facebook page if you would do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, it sparked a lively discussion.
There was a mix of answers ranging from “absolutely the experience of a lifetime,” to, “no it’s too expensive.”
A lot of people were undecided and needed more time to think about it. And rightly so. It is a lot of money, but climbing the arches of probably the most famous bridge in the world over one of the world’s most stunning body of water, is a once in a lifetime experience.
I have written before on the topic of ‘Is budget travel all that matters?’ Sometimes we have to weigh up the budget with the experience, and, if it will create a lifelong memory, then the budget often has to have a chunk taken out of it.
We’ve done it before with the seeing the gorillas in the wild in Uganda and weddings in Fiji and Africa. Others do it with shopping trips on Rodeo Drive or to fly by private jets charter.
On one of my recent trips to Sydney , I had the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and to see for myself whether this was a worthwhile tourist attraction – one that was featured on the Oprah Australia series and is often on the bucket list of those traveling to Australia.
I would have to say I’m pretty much on the fence with this one.
As a University student, I would frequently go on harbour party cruises at night and crawl the bars in The Rocks as the Bridge lovingly guarded us.
Now as parents, we frequently take our children to enjoy all that Sydney Harbour has to offer.
I LOVE Sydney Harbour and it never ceases to amaze me with its beauty.
BUT, I also think that I am a very good friend of the Harbour. She is a familiar site to me. The first time WOW factor is not really there, nor is the idea that I have to take all of her in as I may never see her again.
Sydney Harbour Bridge climb at Twilight
My Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Experience
I think that perhaps for this reason, I was missing that WOW factor by my climbing of the Bridge experience.
I did enjoy it, but for the price of $208, I was left feeling a little unsure as to whether it was worth it.
One thing that could have really changed my decision was the fact that you had to pay extra for your single photo at the end of the tour. You do receive a complimentary group photo but the individual one will cost you another $35…OUCH!
You cannot take your own camera equipment up, which is fair enough. The motorists below really don’t want anyone slipping and dropping their camera gear onto their windshield.
The safety measures are so tight, you cannot even wear clips in your hair in case they slip out and fall. Your hat and glasses are allowed but are tied down to your suit that connects you to the cable that runs all the way around the arched climb.
Only 16 people died during the 8-year construction that cost $13.5 million. This year marks the 80th anniversary.
Of the 2 people that fell off the bridge, only one survived, a remarkable tale of a quick thinking Irishman who in a moment of not thinking stepped backwards off his ledge to drop 50 metres below. He realised that he needed to hit the water feet first and managed to do it during the 2-second free fall.
Those watching thought he would never rise to the surface. So shocked were they when he popped back up and swam for the nearest boat, breaking only a couple of ribs.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the whole of the Harbour in one vista, having a clear view of the Government house sitting on the knoll overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Farm Cove and Kirribilli House opposite. Politicians never want for the best views and abodes in the city!
So yes, to some this view would be definitely worth it.
Is fear of heights stopping you from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
I can understand why this might lead you to say no.
I would say that the initial climb under the roadway was the scariest part, as the path was very narrow and you were looking straight down, only a steel meshed pathway between you and the waters below.
I held onto the sides a little tight here and breathed a little deeper. Once you pop up above the road the sense of being suspended high above the ground seems to leave you. The heights did not bother me from there on end.
Should You Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Dawn climb Sydney Harbour bridge
I would definitely consider making the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb experience a part of your adventures in Australia.
The Harbour Bridge is an iconic image of our country and the views are something to talk about.
If you are concerned about budget, consider ways in which you can reduce spending in one area for a week so you can fit it in. Perhaps camp, couch surf or stay in cheaper hostel accommodation.
Need further convincing? Here’s some BridgeClimb Facts:
- Over 2.75 million people have climbed the bridge
- The oldest climber to date was 100 year old Mrs Chris Muller
- Most frequent climber is an 84 year old man from Sydney (41 times)
- 4000 couples have become engaged while climbing the biridge
- On The Bridge Climb route, climbers will scale 1332 stairs.
- On The Discovery Climb, climbers will climb 1002 stairs (good for the butt!)
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Tours and Prices
- Open to anyone over the age of 10
- The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is open 24 hours a day, 363 days a year. The earliest dawn climbs depart at 3:15am
- All climbs have different prices depending on time of day but all range between $188 and $298
- The Express Climb: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- The Discovery Climb: 3.5 hours. Explore the inner workings of the Bridge.
- The Bridge Climb: 3.5 hours. Uninterrupted views as you climb the outer arch all the way to the summit.
- Website: http://www.bridgeclimb.com
Plan Your Trip in Sydney
We’ve been travelling consistently for 17 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights and car rental. Below are our preferred partners:
- Booking.com has 700,000+ hotels, apartments and hostels worldwide. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.
Flights
- Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).
Car Rental
- RentalCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.
So have you, would you, or are you going to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb?
All images courtesy of BridgeClimb Sydney
